9. The Return Game

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Keshawn Martin acts as the primary return man for Michigan State, whether it's punts or kickoffs. In terms of kickoff returns, Martin has not made too much of an impact compared to his Big Ten counterparts.

However, as a punt returner, he has bottle-rocket capabilities. (Side note: "Bottle Rocket" is a great movie featuring Luke and Owen Wilson from the mid-1990s...nostalgia anyone?)

Second in the Big Ten in punt return yards and average per return, Martin ranks first in TDs and longest return.

As for Alabama, RB Trent Richardson is the premiere kickoff returner, averaging 25.7 yards per return (fourth in the SEC) and has totaled 616 yards (seventh in the SEC) with one TD.

Complimenting Richardson is WR Marquis Maze as the punt returner.

Maze ranks third in the SEC with 245 punt return yards and fourth with an 8.8 yards per return average. However, his longest return on the year is only 37 yards.

Keshawn Martin is Michigan State's wild card in this situation, because he can be a major advantage if Sparty's D limits Alabama's chances.

8. Isolating Julio Jones

Easily quarterback Greg McElroy's favorite target with a team-leading 75 receptions (third in the SEC). The second most on the team is Marquis Maze with only 34 on the year.

Also, Mr. Jones (and me...Counting Crows, anyone?) ranks second in the SEC with 1,084 yards and is the only wideout on the team with over 1,000 yards receiving.

In addition he has accounted for seven of McElroy's 19 TD passes, which ties him for fifth in the SEC.

A first-team all-SEC selection, Jones is only a junior so look for him be in the Fred Biletnikoff Award race come 2011 if he chooses his senior season over the NFL.

As good as Sparty has been as a secondary unit all season, Jones will arguably be the best receiver they have faced. They cannot use man coverage, but double coverage with man-under and a safety helping over top as a solid alternative.

Also, pressure on McElroy will be key (more on that later), so the D-line and blitz packages need to be effective.

7. Robert Lester vs. Spartan Wide Receivers

You may not know him now unless you're a hard-core SEC fan, but there's a good chance you will after the Captial One Bowl.

Alabama CB Robert Lester leads the SEC this season with seven picks (third in all of college football) and received second-team all-SEC honors.

And get this: he's a freaking sophomore.

I'm sure he's not the first of his kind, but someone this young and playing this well (especially in the SEC) deserves national recognition.

Therefore, when Michigan State's top two receivers (Mark Dell and B.J. Cunningham) are on his island, you may see quarterback Kirk Cousins look elsewhere.

But Dell and Cunningham also have experience and will be the Spartans' best option versus Lester.

In order to manipulate Lester, don't be surprised to see Dell and Cunningham lined up in twins on Lester's half of the field. Possible route combinations of ins, slants, outs and wheels will be typical, but the difference will be the chemistry between Dell and Cunningham.

Late breaks on the routes could be used to disguise the pass patterns, as well as some pick routes to remove Lester from any chance of an interception or a pass break-up.

4. Pressuring Greg McElroy

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Throughout the season, defensive coordinators have had success in getting to Greg McElroy.

In being sacked 30 times through 12 games, you would think Alabama's passing game would be a bit lackluster. But don't let the sack stat alone deceive you; McElroy has only thrown five picks on the year with 19 TDs.

In addition, he is ranked fifth in the SEC with 2,767 passing yards and fourth in all of college football with a 70.6 completion percentage.

Obviously pressure on McElroy is imperative; however, if Sparty is only able to force QB hits, then it will be a long day.

A vast array of blitzes from the backers and secondary to cause confusion and/or audibles will be needed as well as a stunt package from the D-line.

Twists, crashes to the right and left, and pinching inward with outside blitzes would help. And even dropping a D-lineman into coverage while blitzing a backer could cause some issues.

Getting McElroy frustrated will not be easy, but it is a definite necessity.

1. The 2010 Michigan State Football MVP

The nucleus and leader of the Michigan State Spartans has been Greg Jones.

I love defense, and when you see someone like No. 53 play with his level of passion, you feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to experience it.

A 2009 and 2010 first-team all-Big Ten selection at linebacker, Jones' intangible attributes are really the more impressive aspect. His leadership, intelligence, coachability and desire are things you can't teach or coach.

He's like having a defensive coordinator on the field, which is a major advantage.

And, if you have yet to watch Greg Jones play football, you may want to treat yourself and tune in.

Because the NFL awaits and his last game as a collegiate athlete will be his toughest challenge yet, so expect him to come with another level of game.